Revision of Randia (Rubiaceae) in Argentina, taxonomy and morpho-anatomy

Abstract

A revision of the Argentinian species of Randia is presented. According to this study, three species are recognized: R. ferox, R. micracantha and R. calycina, the latter being a new record for the country. It is here proposed exclude Randia armata from the country, a species that is widely and erroneously cited for the area. Taxonomic aspects, vegetative anatomy and pollen morphology of the three species are analyzed. All taxa are described and differentiated through a dichotomous key. Images of diagnostic characters, a distribution map, and ecological observations are included. Lectotypes for the taxon names Basanacantha, R. calycina and R. ferox are proposed. It is proposed to Randia micracantha var. glabra is treated as a new synonym for Randia micracantha. It was determined that certain anatomic and pollen characters are useful for differentiating the species occurring in Argentina.